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best el-cheapo wheel?

updated fri 26 jan 07

 

Leigh Whitaker on sun 21 jan 07


I got a Clay Boss from Mud in Mind. I was debating between the Clay Boss,
and the Brent ie. I went with the Clay Boss because it seemed to have a
larger motor. I'm not sure if it really does, because from what I've read the
motor sizes are hard to compare between brands. Also the ie has a smaller wheel
head (IIRC). The Clay Boss does not have a metal wheel head though as
compared to the Brents, it's some kind of composite plastic. It seems fine to me,
but there may be disadvantages I don't know about.

Anyway, I really like it. We use Brent CXC's in the studio where I take
class, and I can definitely tell a difference in oomph, but the Clay Boss is
working fine for me at home. I should explain that the first time I touched a
wheel was in Nov of 06, so I am far from experienced, and I can only center
about 5 lbs at the max. So take my opinion for what it's worth. The Clay Boss
has plenty of power to center 5 lbs. I haven't tried just putting, say a 25
lb. block on the wheel and seeing what it does. I could do that for you and
let you know how it goes... The CI splash pan is kind of flimsy, and I was
a little worried about it, but actually I like it better than the Brent
splash pans, as it is easier to remove.

Mud in Mind was perfectly fine to deal with. I got free shipping and the
wheel arrived about 5 days after I paid for it. On the other hand I have just
ordered some stuff from The Big Ceramic Store, and it seems to me that they
were quite slow in getting the things shipped. The order hasn't arrived yet,
so I can comment on anything else.

Hope that was at least a little helpful!
Leigh Whitaker

Josh Berkus on sun 21 jan 07


All,

I'm looking for a low-end pottery wheel I can use for 6 months until I get my
Brent C out of storage, and then to use as a 2nd wheel after that. So I'm
looking to spend the least I can get away with.

I've looked for used wheels in the San Francisco Bay Area but none are to be
found (now's the chance for someone who wanted to upgrade from a student
wheel to speak up and get a quick $300!)

So, I'd like to hear anyone's experience with recent models of the following
wheels (recent because I know that Brent manufacturing has changed):

Brent Model IE
Pacifica G400
Creative Industries ClayBoss
Bailey ST
Thomas Stuart Prodigy

How do they compare? I've been over the CLAYART archives, and there isn't
much comparative discussion of wheels, and not much about non-Brent wheels at
all.

Also, if anyone has experience with the online stores handsnclay.com or
Bailey's online store, I'd love to hear how you felt about their service.

--
The Fuzzy Chef
San Francisco

Josh Berkus on mon 22 jan 07


Vince,

> What about the Creative Industries Artista? It's a portable wheel, but you
> can get it with a set of legs. If you buy it that way, I believe it costs
> a little over $400. One of my students has one, and it's a great little
> wheel, with plenty of power for anything but huge pots.

A couple people have mentioned the Arista. Is there a foot pedal available
for it? I don't see one from any of the vendors I'm familiar with ...

--
The Fuzzy Chef
San Francisco

Cindy Buehler on mon 22 jan 07


**************
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:13:59 -0800
From: Josh Berkus
Subject: Best el-cheapo wheel?

So, I'd like to hear anyone's experience with recent models of the
following
wheels (recent because I know that Brent manufacturing has changed):

Brent Model IE
Pacifica G400
Creative Industries ClayBoss
Bailey ST
Thomas Stuart Prodigy

****************

John,

I narrowed my choices down to the Brent ie or the Clayboss, but I decided
on the Brent and bought it from Brackers last year. It runs great, very
smooth and quiet and the pedal works nicely. I really like the splash pan
on the Brent and I like the modern style of the curved worktable. I
ususally throw small items like mugs and bowls so it works great for me.
The few times I have thrown 15 or so pounds it really seemed to bog down
and I lost wheel speed. I don't know if that is true of the Clayboss.
That said, I still love my Brent and hope to upgrade to a CXC someday. I
look forward to the larger wheelhead and reversing motor.

Cindy
cinderelish.blogspot.com

Lisa E on mon 22 jan 07


I have an Artista wheel from Creative Industries. I love it. It holds up
to 25 lbs of clay. Apparentlysomeone pushed it to 35 lbs but I am not sure
that would work. I am a newbie at pottery so it will be a long time before
I get to 25 lbs of clay, if ever.

The only thing I am not fond of is the plastic batts from Creative
Industries. BUT if you have a rubber mallet, it works to get it on straight
without a wobble.

The wheel weighs 26 lbs. The legs and foot pedal are a must but you can use
it on a table top or use the speed dial.

I love my little wheel as I can move it around the garage. It would be the
ultimate wheel if you were doing demos and such.

I bought mine from www.MudinMind.com Shauna there is spectacular. They also
sell on eBay and have a great reputation.

Regards,
Lisa E
Squamish, BC


On 1/22/07, Cindy Buehler wrote:
>
> **************
> Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:13:59 -0800
> From: Josh Berkus
> Subject: Best el-cheapo wheel?
>
> So, I'd like to hear anyone's experience with recent models of the
> following
> wheels (recent because I know that Brent manufacturing has changed):
>
> Brent Model IE
> Pacifica G400
> Creative Industries ClayBoss
> Bailey ST
> Thomas Stuart Prodigy
>
> ****************
>
> John,
>
> I narrowed my choices down to the Brent ie or the Clayboss, but I decided
> on the Brent and bought it from Brackers last year. It runs great, very
> smooth and quiet and the pedal works nicely. I really like the splash pan
> on the Brent and I like the modern style of the curved worktable. I
> ususally throw small items like mugs and bowls so it works great for me.
> The few times I have thrown 15 or so pounds it really seemed to bog down
> and I lost wheel speed. I don't know if that is true of the Clayboss.
> That said, I still love my Brent and hope to upgrade to a CXC someday. I
> look forward to the larger wheelhead and reversing motor.
>
> Cindy
> cinderelish.blogspot.com
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>



--
Lisa E
Sunny Daze Design Pottery Studio
SunnyDazeDesign@gmail.com
Squamish, BC Canada

www.lisaelbertsen.com http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign

Vince Pitelka on mon 22 jan 07


The Fuzzy Chef
> I'm looking for a low-end pottery wheel I can use for 6 months until I get
> my
> Brent C out of storage, and then to use as a 2nd wheel after that. So I'm
> looking to spend the least I can get away with.

Fuzzy -
What about the Creative Industries Artista? It's a portable wheel, but you
can get it with a set of legs. If you buy it that way, I believe it costs a
little over $400. One of my students has one, and it's a great little
wheel, with plenty of power for anything but huge pots.

To answer your questions about vendors, the other day I posted a message
about Bailey - in my experience they have always been very honorable in
their business dealings, and very responsive to customer needs.
Good luck -
- Vince

Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University
Smithville TN 37166, 615/597-6801 x111
vpitelka@dtccom.net, wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka/
http://www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/

Linda K. Beasley on tue 23 jan 07


Thanks, Vince, for your reassuring comment about Bailey. I just purchased 3
nitride bonded shelves from them this morning after trying, unsuccessfully
to purchase them from another supplier. I was quite pleased that, although
it took being put on hold a couple of times, there was always someone at
Bailey who could thoroughly answer my specific questions about the product
dimensions, packing material, shipping carrier, how to resolve problems if
I have any, and the delivered cost. If my shelves arrive in a timely
fashion and undamaged, I'll be sure to use Bailey the next time I need to
place an order. Linda

Michael Juengling on tue 23 jan 07


Hi Josh, I own the ClayBoss which I bought new about three and a half years
ago. I think it works great and have never had any trouble with it. I am
just a weekend warrior so keep that in mind as to my experience level. The
tray is a little light and can't be used as an arm rest, but on the other
hand it comes apart easily for cleaning. I don't throw anything much over =
4
or 5 pounds and have had no indication that the wheel is underpowered.
Anyways to sum it up I am very happy with the wheel. Good luck

-Mike Juengling

-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Cindy Buehler
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:58 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: Best el-cheapo wheel?

**************
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:13:59 -0800
From: Josh Berkus
Subject: Best el-cheapo wheel?

So, I'd like to hear anyone's experience with recent models of the
following
wheels (recent because I know that Brent manufacturing has changed):

Brent Model IE
Pacifica G400
Creative Industries ClayBoss
Bailey ST
Thomas Stuart Prodigy

****************

John,

I narrowed my choices down to the Brent ie or the Clayboss, but I decided
on the Brent and bought it from Brackers last year. It runs great, very
smooth and quiet and the pedal works nicely. I really like the splash pan
on the Brent and I like the modern style of the curved worktable. I
ususally throw small items like mugs and bowls so it works great for me.
The few times I have thrown 15 or so pounds it really seemed to bog down
and I lost wheel speed. I don't know if that is true of the Clayboss.
That said, I still love my Brent and hope to upgrade to a CXC someday. I
look forward to the larger wheelhead and reversing motor.

Cindy
cinderelish.blogspot.com

___________________________________________________________________________=
_
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.

Leigh Whitaker on tue 23 jan 07


I wanted to mention that I did plop a 25 lb lump of bagged clay on the clay
boss, and it seemed to spin fine. I didn't actually count and compare rpm's
but it didn't seem to be struggling at all.

Nancy on tue 23 jan 07


Maybe I just got a bad clayboss wheel. Mine slows down when I throw
7lbs of clay on it..not just setting it on the wheel but when you are
putting pressure on to center, pull, etc...it's more than 25lbs. I
currently have a 22" x 12" vase sitting on it and pull the thick walls
on this piece is a nightmare on the clayboss it bogs down horribly. It
weighs about 25lbs ....

nancy

Leigh Whitaker wrote:
> I wanted to mention that I did plop a 25 lb lump of bagged clay on the clay
> boss, and it seemed to spin fine. I didn't actually count and compare rpm's
> but it didn't seem to be struggling at all.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>

Snail Scott on wed 24 jan 07


At 09:43 PM 1/23/2007 EST, you wrote:
>I wanted to mention that I did plop a 25 lb lump of bagged clay on the clay
>boss, and it seemed to spin fine...


It's not the weight that counts so much
as the force that you exert against it,
especially when centering. Some low power
wheels will spin nicely with no counter-
force, but bog or stop as soon as you lean
into the clay with any resistance at all.

-Snail

Vince Pitelka on wed 24 jan 07


> A couple people have mentioned the Arista. Is there a foot pedal
> available
> for it? I don't see one from any of the vendors I'm familiar with ...

Fuzzy -
That's a good point. Adding the optional foot pedal does add $70 on to the
price, with another $75 for the leg set, and the whole price gets up to
$500, which is what the Clayboss costs. So I guess it's not such a great
deal unless the portability of the Artista is a desirable factor for you.
If it were me, I'd pay another $100 and get the Thomas Stuart Prodigy wheel
for $$600 delivered. Thomas Stuarts are just wonderful wheels.

The prices I site are from http://www.clay-king.com/index.html
- Vince

Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University
Smithville TN 37166, 615/597-6801 x111
vpitelka@dtccom.net, wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka/
http://www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/

Vince Pitelka on wed 24 jan 07


----- Original Message -----
From: "Josh Berkus"
To:
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 9:17 PM
Subject: Re: Best el-cheapo wheel?


> Vince,
>
>> What about the Creative Industries Artista? It's a portable wheel, but
>> you
>> can get it with a set of legs. If you buy it that way, I believe it
>> costs
>> a little over $400. One of my students has one, and it's a great little
>> wheel, with plenty of power for anything but huge pots.
>
> A couple people have mentioned the Arista. Is there a foot pedal
> available
> for it? I don't see one from any of the vendors I'm familiar with ...
>
> --
> The Fuzzy Chef
> San Francisco
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>

Marcia Selsor on wed 24 jan 07


>
I have an Artitsta as a second wheel and for going out and doing
demos. Also for setting up outside when the urge strikes.
It is a great little wheel. My studio mate bought one as soon as he
saw mine because he has arthritic hips. He was having difficulty
sitting at a wheel. He prefers standing with the artista on a table.
He loves it and it has him throwing again. The woman at NCECA who was
demonstrating them last year recommended not getting the foot pedal.
She teaches HS and said her kids have better control without the foot
pdal. I haven't found that to be a problem.
I have been throwing for 40 years on all kinds of wheels. The manual
control is fine. The wheel also takes all my other bats. I use North
Stars little square inserts for small work.
This wheel is light, transportable, and fun to work on. And it is
cute! I got mine from Bennetts and it was delivered in a few days to
Montana. I now have it in Texas..where is it still raining. No
working outside for a while.
Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com

Lisa E on wed 24 jan 07


Yes you can get a foot pedal with the Creative Industries Artista Wheel.

Here is the link to the Creative Industries website:
http://www.creativewheels.com/search/?searchname=Artista

Regards,
Lisa

On 1/22/07, Josh Berkus wrote:
>
> Vince,
>
> > What about the Creative Industries Artista? It's a portable wheel, but
> you
> > can get it with a set of legs. If you buy it that way, I believe it
> costs
> > a little over $400. One of my students has one, and it's a great little
> > wheel, with plenty of power for anything but huge pots.
>
> A couple people have mentioned the Arista. Is there a foot pedal
> available
> for it? I don't see one from any of the vendors I'm familiar with ...
>
> --
> The Fuzzy Chef
> San Francisco
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>



--
Lisa E
Sunny Daze Design Pottery Studio
SunnyDazeDesign@gmail.com
Squamish, BC Canada

www.lisaelbertsen.com http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign

Leigh Whitaker on thu 25 jan 07


In a message dated 1/24/2007 9:46:06 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
snail@MINDSPRING.COM writes:

It's not the weight that counts so much
as the force that you exert against it,
especially when centering. Some low power
wheels will spin nicely with no counter-
force, but bog or stop as soon as you lean
into the clay with any resistance at all.

-Snail


Okay, good point. I did bear down on the clay with quite a bit of weight
when I was checking it out (enough to put a significant dent in the middle of
it). It really didn't seem to bog, it certainly didn't stop. But I wasn't
centering, so the force was from the top, not from the sides. I guess that
would make a difference.

Helen Bates on thu 25 jan 07


The Artista wheel has an optional plug-in foot Pedal:
http://tinyurl.com/ypeco4

Helen
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Clayarters' Urls http://amsterlaw.com/clayart/